Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to relight a hot water tank! A hot water tank is an essential part of any household, and it provides us with hot water for our daily needs. However, sometimes the pilot light of the hot water tank may go out, and in such cases, it is important to know how to relight it. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to relight a hot water tank and provide you with the necessary information to carry out this task safely and efficiently.
Before we dive into the details, it is essential to understand the basic functioning of a hot water tank and its components. A hot water tank consists of a tank, which stores the heated water, a thermostat, which controls the temperature of the water, and a pilot light, which ignites the burner located at the bottom of the tank to heat the water. Now that we have a basic understanding let’s move forward with the steps to relight a hot water tank.
How to Relight a Hot Water Tank
Step 1: Turn off the gas supply valve located near the bottom of the hot water tank. You can do this by turning the valve clockwise until it stops rotating.
👉 Pro Tip: Before starting the process of relighting, make sure the room is well-ventilated, and there are no flammable materials nearby.
Step 2: Remove the outer and inner door panels of the hot water tank to expose the burner compartment. The panels can be removed by unscrewing the screws that secure them in place.
Step 3: Locate the pilot light assembly, which is typically located near the bottom of the hot water tank and between the burner tubes. The pilot light assembly consists of a pilot burner, a thermocouple, and a gas control valve.
Step 4: Turn the gas control valve to the ‘off’ position and wait for at least five minutes. This is to ensure that any residual gas in the burner compartment is cleared out.
Step 5: Turn the gas control valve to the ‘pilot’ position. Press and hold the pilot button located on the gas control valve and light the pilot burner with a long-reach lighter or match.
Step 6: Continue holding the pilot button for about 60 seconds after lighting the pilot burner. This is to allow the thermocouple to heat up and generate enough voltage to keep the gas control valve open.
Step 7: Release the pilot button and turn the gas control valve to the ‘on’ position. Check to see that the burner ignites and stays lit.
❓FAQs:
Q1: Why does the pilot light of a hot water tank go out?
A: The most common reasons for a pilot light to go out are a faulty thermocouple, a malfunctioning gas control valve, or a draft in the room.
Q2: Can I relight the pilot light of my hot water tank on my own?
A: Yes, you can relight the pilot light of a hot water tank on your own by following the steps mentioned in this guide.
Q3: Why is it important to turn off the gas supply valve before relighting the hot water tank?
A: Turning off the gas supply valve before relighting the hot water tank ensures that there is no gas leakage during the process, which can be dangerous.
Q4: How long should I wait after turning the gas control valve to the ‘off’ position?
A: You should wait for at least five minutes after turning the gas control valve to the ‘off’ position to allow any residual gas to clear out of the burner compartment.
Q5: What should I do if the pilot light does not stay lit?
A: If the pilot light does not stay lit, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a malfunctioning gas control valve, or a blocked pilot orifice. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional help.
Q6: How often should I relight the pilot light of my hot water tank?
A: You should only relight the pilot light of your hot water tank if it goes out. If the pilot light is frequently going out, it could indicate a more serious problem, and you should seek professional help.
Q7: Can I relight the pilot light if I smell gas?
A: No, if you smell gas, do not attempt to relight the pilot light. Turn off the gas supply valve immediately and contact a professional to assess the situation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Relighting a Hot Water Tank
Advantages
1. Saves you money on repair costs.
2. Allows you to restore hot water without the need for a professional technician.
3. Can be completed quickly and easily.
Disadvantages
1. Can be dangerous if not done correctly.
2. May not solve the underlying problem causing the pilot light to go out.
3. If done incorrectly, it can lead to further damage to the hot water tank.
Conclusion
Relighting a hot water tank is a simple process that can be done quickly and easily by following the steps mentioned in this guide. However, it is important to exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines to prevent accidents. If you are unsure about any step or do not feel confident in doing it yourself, it is recommended that you seek professional help.
We hope that this guide has been helpful to you and has provided you with the necessary information to relight your hot water tank safely and efficiently.
👉 Pro Tip: Regular maintenance can help prevent the pilot light from going out, and you can save money on repairs in the long run.
Closing/Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is meant to be used as a guide only. We do not take any responsibility for any damage or injury caused by following the instructions mentioned in this article. It is recommended that you seek professional help if you are unsure about any step or do not feel confident in doing it yourself.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Turn off the gas supply valve located near the bottom of the hot water tank. |
| Step 2 | Remove the outer and inner door panels of the hot water tank to expose the burner compartment. |
| Step 3 | Locate the pilot light assembly. |
| Step 4 | Turn the gas control valve to the ‘off’ position and wait for at least five minutes. |
| Step 5 | Turn the gas control valve to the ‘pilot’ position and light the pilot burner. |
| Step 6 | Continue holding the pilot button for about 60 seconds after lighting the pilot burner. |
| Step 7 | Release the pilot button and turn the gas control valve to the ‘on’ position. |
